Things We Take for Granted: Om on the Hill

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Living in Washington one becomes accustomed to dealing with a certain degree of stress. We’re talking long term, code red stress, right? We worker bees tend to hold it in our aching necks, tense “Richard Nixon” shoulders, and a tight and long suffering lower back. Capitol Hill certainly has its quota of type A personalities, but, thankfully, it also has a good number of  yoga classes guaranteed to give you a chance to breathe deeply and, perhaps unclench and even lengthen those muscles, on any given day. And since New Years Resolution time is quickly approaching, I’m grateful to have access to so many opportunities to take care of myself and my body.

The grand dame of yoga studios on the Hill meets at St. Mark’s Church at 3rd and A Streets Souheast. Capitol Hillers have been doing downward dogs at St. Mark’s Yoga Studio since 1978, with eight open classes each week. I love these classes because they’re on the small side — which means fewer people to fall on as my tree post blows in the wind. And occasionally in the loft space you can hear the organ pipes and the sound of choir rehearsal, a great distraction during an inversion, let me say. Watch out for their great bi-annual sale January 2-8. With 5 class passes selling for $25, or an unlimited monthly pass for $35, there’s no better time to work yoga into your resolution list.

Results offers a full roster of yoga classes by a variety of teachers, but make sure to get there early for a spot on the floor. I particularly appreciate the energy Kelly brings to her mid-day classes — and the regular infusion of Jay Z and college sports updates. I love the downstairs studio; I could lie there — preferably in corpse pose — and look out at the large trees overhead forever. Combine a yoga class with a steam, then a long dip in the jacuzzi and in my mind, you’ve practically got a day at the spa.

For those who really like the steam, there’s Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill. I can’t quite seem to get the muscle up to take a class there, but friends who take the 30 day challenges are my heroes. On a cold night like tonight, I do see the appeal of a 105 degree room.

Capitol Hill Yoga has something for everyone. I’m here to say that prenatal yoga there is a serious workout, focused on strength building and endurance, not so much about breathing and relaxation. It kicked my butt! They teach classes in everything from pilates to itsty bitsy yoga to yoga for couples to workshops on handstands.

I know there have been yoga classes from time to time at the Corner Store and CHAW and at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, but am I forgetting someplace?

Get a head start on dealing with holiday stress. Find a yoga class and get down with the downward dog. Breathe deep. Listen to your body (and by the way, your body says take better care of yourself). Namaste.